I’ve had readers ask me how Kate and Grace met and I thought that I’d go directly to my characters for this #TBT glimpse into their fun exchanges!

It all started at an art showing in the Spring of 2000. Before Facebook, before Twitter, before iPhones. Life was a different kind of complicated. But let me just say I hope you all have been fortunate enough to have met at least one person in your life where things just clicked. It doesn’t have to be romantic; I almost think we’re more fortunate when it’s not. But Kate and Grace just clicked, despite their differences, the fact that on the surface they’re like oil and water, some souls just feed each other in beautiful ways, through good times and bad. Enjoy!

To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: Nice to meet you!

Hi Grace,

It was so nice meeting you the other night, I hope the rest of the show went well and you sold lots! I’m just confirming drinks tonight at Joe’s. Let’s say 6pm?

Take care,

Kate

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: Re: Nice to meet you!

Kate, I hate email. Yes 6pm is good. See you there.

G

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: My interview!

Hi Grace,

I had such fun last night, I hope we can do that again soon! I thought I’d let you know how my interview went today at Morris & Dean Publishers.

So, I think I mentioned they are looking for a publicist to fill out their department and since I only have freelance experience I’m sure I’m at the bottom of their list. Anyway I interviewed with their two top people, Edward Sherman and MacDermott Ellis. To be candid the interview process was a bit odd. Well, MacDermott was nice enough, actually really nice – and handsome. He’s a bit of a legend in the industry but so is Edward and not in a good way. Frankly I felt like I needed a shower after my meeting with him. I also met with the head of their marketing and publicist department. She seems overwhelmed and needs the help.

Anyway, I had this odd exchange with MacDermott (he told me to call him Mac), he spotted me when I was coming out of the interview with the marketing person and walked me to the elevator. He’s one of their biggest editors. Seems like he’d have better stuff to do than walk out some random interviewee but I’m hoping it’s a good sign. Though Edward gives me the creeps, I’d still love this job. I think I could rock it as an in-house publicist.

I have another interview with Simon & Schuster tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m sorry for rambling, and thanks for listening, you’re really the only woman I’ve met and actually had a chance to get to know since moving here! When’s your next show?

Kate

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: RE: My interview!

Kate just reading your email made ME want to shower. Both this Mac guy and Edward sound like pieces of work. I think I’ve actually heard of Edward, lots of rumors out there…

No word on the show. These people are so cut throat. I also think the art community in New York is waning. I should move to Berkeley. I’d kill it there.

I still hate email but good luck at Simon & Schuster!

G

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: Good news!

Gracie, I got the job!! Morris & Dean offered me the position. I’m so excited, let’s have drinks tonight? My treat. Got time?

Xo Kate

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: RE: Good news!

Kate that’s great news! Plan to wear your chastity belt at all times, we can go shopping for one, it’s not called that per se but it will work. I know a place in Chelsea. Yes to drinks. Still no word from that gallery. I hate these people.

G

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Several weeks and many wine-fueled meet ups later…

To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: Bat shit crazy authors

Gracie, holy shit – who knew authors could be so nuts. I had a run-in with a gal who can’t get over the fact that we haven’t pitched her to Oprah yet. When I told her her book wasn’t right for the show, she said: “Make it right.” What, as in rewrite it? I love the work but shit, so many authors, most of them are great but some seriously need to be medicated.

I’ve had lunch with Mac a couple of times. He’s nice and helpful, and don’t worry, I’m keeping the goods under lock and key, though I can see why women drop their panties around him.

Edward still makes me throw up in my mouth a little when he looks my way. I figure I can balance that our with “sex on a stick” Mac though, right?

See you later? Want me to call that gallery for you? I can’t believe they haven’t called you back yet!

And I finally uploaded the photos from last weekend, sorry it took so long. This is my fave! Glad I have documentation of how good my hair looks when I spend an hour straightening it. Sigh. Did the guy that took the photo for us ever call you back?! XO

 

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: Art is Dead

K – I am lying on the floor contemplating suicide. Actually that’s not true. I couldn’t do it AND type so thank you for continually bugging me on email and giving me a reason to live. But I think the rest of the world is against me. I should just give up and work at Starbucks. I had some pretty wild sex with a barista (yes they call the guys that too, he was explaining it to me as I was ripping his shirt off but I tuned most of it out once I finally confirmed how hot I hoped he was) and that would sure be convenient…But coffee makes my stomach bleed, did I ever tell you that? Mac is trouble, please watch out.

Grace – formally known as an artist

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: You rock!

Gracie you are wildly talented and I’ll prove it, I’m going to call that gallery and tell them I’m your manager. I’ll make them listen, I’m getting good at this – it was my calling to fix things! And WTF when did you have time for hot Starbucks sex?! You better fill me in when we meet up, I need to live vicariously at this point…

XO

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: RE: You rock!

I love you for offering but don’t bother. She’s a villainous bitch and I wouldn’t exhibit my art there if it was the last gallery on earth. I should start a rumor that all of her paintings are reprints. See you tomorrow!

G

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: TGIF

Thank fucking god it’s Friday. TFGIF? Oh and I almost forgot to tell you. I met my all-time fab author the other night: Allan Lavigne. He used to publish with my publishing company but then never finished his second book. Anyway, I’m meeting him this weekend. You would love Allan, he’s very old world charm.

Drinks again tonight? I think I need one. That crazy Oprah author just wrote me and asked me what Oprah said about her book. How do I tell her she said nothing because I’ll never pitch her there?

K

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: RE: TGIF

Can’t you just lie and tell her you pitched her and Oprah thought her book was the worst piece of shit she ever read? Yes, drinks later. I need to tell you how I’ve decided to change careers and walk dogs. I don’t really like dogs, but it sounds as fantastically ridiculous as being an artist. Have a round waiting for me please.

Grace

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: How was Prince Charming?

How was your date last night? Who was he again? The gallery finally called me, she said they’re booked up through the Fall. I know she’s lying.

G

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: RE: How was Prince Charming?

Gracie hi – what a freaking unmitigated disaster. He was a fix up from some gal at work who said he was a big time stock broker, super guy. So, he shows up late which you know – I get it, we’re all busy. Well, he was super something but he wasn’t super nice. So he finally gets there – I’d been seated and he walked in and he’s ON THE PHONE walking to the table, then sits down, mind you still on the phone, nods to me like I’m his assistant and keeps talking. He finally puts the phone down and says:

“You must be Kate.” Part of me wanted to say, “No, I’m Eleanor and you’re at the wrong table.” But instead I bit. BIG mistake. I figured well, maybe he had a rough day or whatever, he was handsome and employed so he had that going for him. Then the waitress comes over and he berates her for letting him sit for five minutes before asking him what he wanted to drink. I was horrified. Then his phone rings again and he takes the call! I excused myself and he was like, “Where are you going?” I almost said I was going to sit at a table with nice people but instead I told him I was going to the ladies room. On my way to the back of the restaurant I decided it wasn’t worth going back so I snuck into the kitchen and out the back. So much for dating in New York.

Allan Lavigne and I had dinner at his house, I brought Chinese. He’s the nicest man! It probably sounds weird but when I’m with him I wish I could just go back in time and date then. I’m sure love has never been simple but dating in the new millennium is a bitch. And he wants to fix me up with his nephew Nick. Another fix up, God help me.

XO

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To: Kate Mitchell
From: Grace Adler
Subject: RE: How was Prince Charming?

The date sounds horrific, what an asshole. I can’t deal with guys who can’t give me their undivided attention for at least an hour. Despite what the art world says I’m actually quite lovely. Just don’t share my emails with anyone. Ever. Are you sure this guy doesn’t run an art gallery? He would fit right in, arrogant prick. Did he call you after you bailed on him? Did you at least snag a snack as you darted your way through everyone’s entrees? =)

G

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To: Grace Adler
From: Kate Mitchell
Subject: RE: How was Prince Charming?

He did, asked when I was coming back. 20 minutes later! I kid you not it took him that long to notice. I said I had an emergency, didn’t even bother making up a good story, he wasn’t worth it. Then I stopped for Thai on the way home and opened a really nice bottle of wine I was saving. Apparently now the special occasions I save wine for are for recovering from bad dates. I’ll either go broke or I’ll need to start buying cheaper wine because I don’t see this getting better any time soon. Why can’t I just meet a handsome, successful, uncomplicated guy? Is that too much to ask for? They have to be out there still, right?

K